Hon Speaker, the decision by the Department of Basic Education to impose a blanket deduction of salaries for teachers in KwaZulu-Natal following last year's strike is a source of concern to the IFP. It is totally unacceptable that teachers who did not take part in the strike should be deprived of their hard-earned money for the actions of others.
By these actions the Department of Basic Education has not only failed these teachers, but also its learners who are the ones who will ultimately pay the price for the department's ill-advised decision if and when teachers have no reason to teach during the strikes.
The IFP urges the Minister and the department to rethink its policy on this matter and not to punish loyal teachers who walk the extra mile for our children's education and teach under very difficult circumstances. I thank you.